Test sacking policy not helpful

Posted:
May 31, 2016

UnionsWA has today commented on a proposal by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA calling for legislative changes to remove unfair dismissal protections for those subject to drug-testing. The full statement for media follows and this is Meredith addressing media today:

Meredith Hammat, Secretary UnionsWA said:

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is suggesting a simple approach to a complex social problem that affects individual, families, communities and workplaces.

"Of course unions want to ensure that work and workplaces are safe for everyone.

“Employers already have access to fair mechanisms to manage work performance that do lead to dismissal.

“But to remove safeguards that protect against unfair dismissal is not a solution.

“This proposal is likely to cause harm.

“A Parliamentary Report of those working FIFO who were regularly drug tested found that some stopped taking medication for depression fearing that it might be incorrectly tested or be used against them in employment.